Here's how Google aims to take on the Apple iPad
It’s no secret that when it comes to tablets, the iPad remains a few steps ahead of its Android counterparts. And a lot of it is down to the software experience as Android on a tablet still lacks the level of optimisation that Apple has achieved over the years. Google plans to change that with a new optimised OS called Android 12L. In a post for developers, Google said, “In 12L we’ve refined the UI to make Android more beautiful and easier to use on screens larger than 600sp — across notifications, quick settings, lock screen, overview, home screen, and more.”
According to Google, there are over a quarter billion large screen devices running Android across tablets, foldables, and ChromeOS devices. Google says that in the last 12 months over 100 million new Android tablets have been activated whereas Foldables too are on the rise. Keeping this growth in mind, Android 12L will give developers a better shot at making apps for tablets and bigger screens.
What will Android 12L bring?
Better multitasking, for starters, as that is one of the key parts of the whole tablet experience. Google says that multitasking is more powerful and intuitive and Android12L includes a new taskbar on large screens that lets users instantly switch to favourite apps on the fly. The taskbar also makes split-screen mode more discoverable than ever - just drag-and-drop from the taskbar to run an app in split-screen mode. “To make split-screen mode a better experience in Android 12 and later, we’re helping users by automatically enabling all apps to enter split-screen mode, regardless whether the apps are resizable,” explained Google in a blog. Keep in mind that these features are there on iPadOS, which do make using an iPad a more refined experience.
When will Android 12L be ready users?
Google said that it plans to release the 12L feature drop early next year, in time for the next wave of Android 12 tablets and foldables. “We’re already working with our OEM partners to bring these features to their large screen devices,” said Google with Lenovo P12 Pro the first tablet to get the 12L experience.
